Capturing Timeless Bonds: The Value of Family Photography Beyond Childhood

Family of four with grown children photo session at Sarah Benson Park

Today, I want to chat about something that might resonate with many of us—family photos. We often associate these snapshots of love, laughter, and chaos with the early years of parenting, but let’s flip the lens and focus on why family photos remain crucial even when your kids are all grown up or nearly there.

  1. Time Flies Faster Than We Realize: It feels like just yesterday we were chasing after our little ones with a camera, capturing every milestone. Now, those tiny feet have grown into bigger shoes, and life seems to be on a fast track. Family photos serve as cherished bookmarks, freezing a moment in the whirlwind of time.
  2. Documenting Evolution and Growth: As our children transition from adolescence to adulthood, they evolve—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Family photos at this stage capture these transformations, providing a visual timeline of growth, maturity, and the unique journey each family member undertakes.
  3. Celebrating New Chapters: Family dynamics shift as kids grow older. They move out, start their careers, or explore new paths. Gathering for family photos becomes an occasion to celebrate these new chapters, reconnecting and solidifying the bond that remains despite life’s changes.
  4. Creating Priceless Memories: The laughter shared during a family photoshoot, the inside jokes that resurface, the bittersweet nostalgia—these are the intangible treasures encapsulated within a single frame. They remind us of the love and unity that define our family.
  5. Preserving a Legacy: Family photos are a visual legacy. They serve as a testament to the relationships, values, and connections shared between generations. They become a treasure trove for future generations to understand their roots and the essence of family ties.

So, to all the parents out there whose kids are growing up way too fast—don’t let the notion of “grown-up” kids deter you from scheduling that family photoshoot. Embrace this new phase of life and capture the beauty of evolving relationships. These photos will be the heartwarming reminders of the journey you’ve shared and the journey that lies ahead.

Remember, it’s not about the perfect poses or matching outfits. It’s about capturing the authenticity and love that bind your family together—a timeless narrative frozen in a single click.

Fall Family Photo Sessions: Embracing Jewel Tones and Textures

Family portrait session in Columbia TN with gorgeous fall colors. Crystal Freemon Photography

Fall is a magical season, filled with vibrant colors and a crisp, refreshing air that makes it the perfect time for family photo sessions. While the backdrop of nature’s beauty is set, choosing the right clothing can be an essential aspect of capturing stunning and memorable portraits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delightful world of rich jewel-toned colors and how they can transform your fall family photos.

1. Jewel Tones: A Symphony of Elegance

Gone are the days of everyone wearing matching outfits in family photos. A more modern and visually appealing approach is to have each family member wear a different rich jewel-toned color. Consider deep wine red, royal blue, emerald green, and other luxurious hues. These colors bring an immediate touch of elegance to your photos and create a vibrant, yet harmonious, composition. The play of distinct colors can reflect your family’s unique personalities and dynamics.

2. Coordination Over Matching

To achieve a coordinated look without looking too uniform, it’s helpful to establish a color palette in advance. Discuss and choose a range of complementary jewel tones that everyone will incorporate into their outfits. By sticking to this color scheme, you’ll create a harmonious look without the need for identical ensembles. This approach adds depth and individuality to your family portraits.

3. Texture and Layers: Adding Dimension

Fall is all about cozy comfort, and this can be translated into your wardrobe choices. Incorporating different textures in clothing adds visual interest to your photos. Sweaters, scarves, and cardigans can provide that much-needed texture and warmth. The interplay of different fabrics against the backdrop of autumn’s natural textures, such as falling leaves and bark, creates a visually appealing contrast.

4. Accessories: The Final Flourish

Don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference. Statement jewelry, cozy hats, and scarves can elevate your family’s look. These accessories can add individuality and create focal points within the composition.

5. Express Yourself

Lastly, it’s essential to be comfortable and feel like yourself during the photo session. Clothing choices should reflect your family’s unique style and personalities. When everyone feels good in their chosen outfits, it shines through in the photos.

In conclusion, fall family photo sessions are a perfect opportunity to capture the beauty of the season alongside your loved ones. By embracing rich jewel-toned colors, choosing coordination over matching, adding texture and layers, and incorporating accessories, you can create memorable and visually striking family portraits. Remember to select your clothing with intention, ensuring that it represents your family’s authentic spirit while adding a touch of elegance to your photos.

Summer Family Portrait Session at Winstead Hill Park

Family Portraits at Winstead Hill Park

This beautiful family braved the heat to fit a family portrait session in before the youngest went off to college in a couple of weeks. It was such a joy to spend some time getting to know them, and really the weather was tolerable for July in Tennessee.

To all the parents sending off for the first time, hugs to you. I’ll be there myself in one short year and I still can’t imagine it. But I am excited for all the adventures they are about to have and new seasons beginning for both kids and parents.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Combination Senior and Family Portrait Session | Downtown Franklin

Family with Teens portrait session in downtown franklin

Sometimes I have moms who are booking senior photo sessions for their teens who ask if I could also get photographs of the entire family. It’s often the case that we schedule lots of photo sessions when our kids are little, but that gets harder to do as they get older. I am absolutely happy to combine a senior and family session.

My portrait sessions are about an hour long, and we can focus that hour on whatever best fits your needs. Some parents just want a quick family shot with the majority of the session focused on the senior. Others prefer a more even split between a family session and a senior session.

I find that particularly when all the subjects are older, with no very young children to manage, a one-hour session gives plenty of time to get a wide variety of shots. A combination session works particularly well when perhaps your senior isn’t super excited about photos and is willing to share the time.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Teen Photo Session at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park

This beautiful young woman is the daughter of an old friend from college. It really doesn’t seem like college was long enough ago that we now both have teenage daughters, but here we are. It was a beautiful evening at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in Franklin catching up with my friend and getting to know her lovely daughter a little more. We even got to hear live music from a nearby wedding!

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you considered following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Senior Pics in Downtown Columbia

Downtown Columbia Senior Pics for Summit High School Student

I so enjoyed getting to know Kate and her mom during this downtown Columbia Senior Portrait Session on Sunday. I feel like her mom and I should have known each other already as it seems we have been on the edge of each other’s circles for years.

Downtown Columbia has become one of my favorite spots for Senior Pictures. There are just so many fun walls and textures, which is what Kate was looking for in her photos. Downtown Franklin is another fun spot for a downtown look but is often more crowded.

If you need me, I’ll be editing. It’s the busy season. ❤

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Senior Portraits at Pinkerton Park

Seniors Portraits at Pinkerton Park in Franklin TN

I think my favorite pictures from this Senior Session at Pinkerton Park in Franklin are the ones in the playground. I’ll admit that it’s totally because Liam’s mom told me that he used to play in that very same playground as a boy. Well, you know I’m a sap for a sentimental photo location. As a mama myself, the photo of the senior guy with his childhood playground in the background gets me in the feels.

Looking for a photographer in Spring Hill, Franklin, and Columbia in Middle Tennessee? I photograph families at all stages, from newborns to seniors. See my website for more information or to book a session from my online calendar. I would love it if you would consider following me on Facebook and/or Instagram.

Fun Teen Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

Teen Photo Session in Downtown Columbia

OK I know I’ve chosen too many preview pictures for this fun teen photo session in Downtown Columbia. Narrowing down my selection is never something I excel at and it’s even worse when it’s for the child of one of my best friends who I’ve known for most of their life.

I’ve found that parents typically have a big gap in photos of their kids when it comes to the teen years. We take lots of photos of our little ones, but it gets so much harder as they age. For one thing, teens can be very reluctant to let their parents take everyday pictures of them. But here is a secret: getting dressed up and having a professional photographer take photos of you and your friends is much more enticing than letting mom and dad do it.

(Full disclosure: My own teens usually do NOT want me to take their photos, but I’ve never had any trouble with other people’s teens. Go figure.)

I am so pleased with how these turned out. Michelle suggested the session as a way to celebrate Sam’s 15th birthday. Sam was given the freedom to decide what to wear and what friends to include in the session. I love photographing friendships at any age and loved watching the group interact with each other. We really had a great time roaming around Downtown Columbia. I hope Sam loves the photos as much as I do.